Simon Ekpa, leader of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, has announced plans for a month-long lockdown of Nigerian government offices in the South-East. This action is in response to ongoing insecurity in the region and the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ekpa made the announcement via his official X account on Friday. He stated that the decision was made during a virtual meeting with his cabinet.
The lockdown is set to begin on August 28, 2024, and end on September 26, 2024. It will target all Nigerian government offices in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra states within the South-East region.
Ekpa has demanded the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafrans held by the Nigerian government, as well as the removal of military forces from the South-East.
He criticized the Nigerian government for the ongoing violence against Christians and Biafrans, including church invasions and abductions. Ekpa’s statement highlighted the decision to impose the lockdown in response to these issues and reiterated demands for the withdrawal of Nigerian security forces and the release of detainees.
Despite IPOB’s cancellation of its Monday sit-at-home order, the Ekpa-led BRGIE has continued to enforce it in the South-East region.